A hospital worker was sentenced Tuesday to six months in jail, five years probation and ordered to register as a sex offender for sexually assaulting a patient.
Shane Michael Cochran, of Pacific Beach, pleaded guilty to three misdemeanor counts of sexual activity with a person confined to a health facility.
The female patient was undergoing involuntary mental health treatment for psychosis at Sharp Mesa Vista Hospital where Cochran worked as an orderly.
As part of his sentence, Cochran, 36, was ordered to undergo counseling and treatment for sex and drug abuse if directed by his probation officer.
Prosecutors said Cochran abused the 20-year-old woman over several weeks last October.
Judge Lisa R. Rodriguez said the defendant showed premeditation in his acts.
“This was a deliberate attempt to take advantage of a patient who was not in any capacity to take care of herself in any way,” the judge said.
— City News Service
